A five-year-old video of Vice President Harris endorsing a fracking ban resurfaced on social media over the weekend, reigniting a controversial issue that has followed her throughout her presidential campaign. “Climate change is the single greatest threat facing our world today. That’s why I am committed to passing a Green New Deal, creating clean jobs, and finally putting an end to fracking once and for all,” Harris stated during a September 2019 appearance on the “Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.
At the time, Harris was serving as a California senator and running for the Democratic presidential nomination. She reiterated her support for a fracking ban multiple times throughout her campaign, including at a CNN town hall earlier that month, where she stated there was “no question” she was “in favor of banning fracking.”
Conservative commentators highlighted her comments on the “Tonight Show” over the weekend, also pointing out her endorsement of the Green New Deal, a controversial proposal championed by progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Harris’ stance on fracking has been particularly challenging during her presidential campaign, as she recently reversed her position. In an interview with CNN last month, she clarified that she no longer supports a ban. “What I have seen is that we can grow and we can increase a clean energy economy without banning fracking,” she said.
The debate over fracking is especially significant in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state where the practice is a major source of jobs and enjoys strong support. According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, Harris currently holds a narrow lead in Pennsylvania, with 48.3% support compared to former President Trump’s 47.6%.
In recent weeks, Trump has attacked Harris for her past stance on fracking, claiming during last week’s debate that “fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one” if she is elected president.
